Congress Leader Exposes Alleged Land Scam in Rohtak, Seeks CBI Investigation
Congress leader and former minister Subhash Batra made serious allegations on Wednesday. He claimed large-scale irregularities occurred during the auction and purchase of prime land at IMT Chowk in Rohtak. Batra served as the Haryana home minister in the past. He stated the land currently holds a value exceeding Rs 300 crore. However, it was allegedly auctioned and purchased for a mere Rs 25 crore. This transaction caused significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
Details of the Controversial Land Deal
Batra provided a detailed timeline of events. In 2020, an 18.5-acre cable factory occupied the land at IMT Chowk. The owner failed to clear bank dues later that year. Consequently, the land went up for auction. A Gurugram resident named Abhimanyu Mahalawat purchased it for Rs 25 crore, according to the Congress leader.
Mahalawat deposited a Rs 4-crore draft initially. He allegedly did not pay the remaining amount. This led to the forfeiture of his deposit. Batra further alleged that instead of organizing a fresh auction, BJP leaders colluded with Mahalawat. They reportedly created a fake company to buy the land for Rs 21 crore.
Massive Financial Losses Alleged
The senior Congress leader presented valuation figures. The collector rate at that time placed the land's value around Rs 100 crore. Its market value was approximately Rs 200 crore. Batra emphasized the land's current value has skyrocketed to over Rs 300 crore.
He calculated the government's losses using the collector rate. The estimated loss in stamp duty alone reached Rs 80 crore. Batra identified the entities that deposited the Rs 21 crore. They included Shivalaya Construction, linked to BJP leader Satish Nandal. Himanshu Grover and his wife also contributed. She formerly served as a district town planner officer in the municipal corporation. Relatives of several BJP leaders were involved as well.
Himanshu Grover is the son of former minister Manish Grover. Batra labeled this a corruption case exceeding Rs 300 crore. He demanded an immediate CBI probe into the matter. Action against all guilty parties is essential, he stressed.
Accusations of Government Suppression and Legal Failures
Batra accused the BJP government of attempting to suppress the matter. He pointed out a legal failure by the authorities. The government should have filed an appeal in the All India National Tribunal Court. However, it did not take this necessary step.
The Congress leader highlighted another concerning issue. A city police station previously functioned at Bhiwani Stand before relocation. Under the law, such land could only be leased for 33 years. Batra claimed the BJP government granted a 99-year lease instead.
Subhash Batra's allegations paint a picture of deep-rooted corruption. He calls for transparency and accountability in Haryana's land dealings.
